Systems and Control

Transducers and Actuators

Understand the role of transducers in converting one form of energy into another. Consider familiar examples such as thermocouples, photodiodes, and load cells. Explore their operation, characteristics, and utilisation in control systems.
Examine how actuators are used to implement physical changes within systems. Look at different types including relays, solenoids, and motors. Analyse how they respond to input from control systems and the effects they have on the system’s behaviour.
Identify the input-output characteristics for typical transducers and actuators. Discuss how these characteristics inform their selection for specific applications.

Electronic Control Circuits

Appreciate the importance of feedback in electronic control systems. Delve into positive and negative feedback, studying the implications these have for system output and stability.
Familiarise with noise in systems, particularly in relation to electronic circuits. Understand the sources of noise and methods for its reduction or elimination.
Look into various circuit designs relevant to control, such as comparator, Schmitt trigger, and oscillator circuits. Be aware of the function each provides and how they can be integrated into complex systems.

Digital Control Systems

Study microcontrollers and their role in digital control systems. Understand their use in converting analogue inputs to digital signals, executing program instructions, and controlling digital outputs.
Consider software control in digital systems. Learn about control algorithms, flowcharts, and pseudocode in the design and programming of microcontrollers.
Explore logic and Boolean algebra. Relate these mathematical concepts to the operation of digital electronics, focusing on applications to decision-making in control systems.

Control System Operations

Master the concepts of open-loop and closed-loop control. Understand the differences between them, including their respective benefits and drawbacks. Consider practical examples of each to aid understanding.
Talk about PID control (proportional-integral-derivative). Learn how these distinct modes of control come together to manage system output effectively.
Reflect on compensation methods used to improve the performance of control systems. Find out how these methods can stabilise a system, improve its response time, or otherwise enhance its characteristics.

System Analysis and Design

Study transfer functions and their role in describing the dynamic behaviour of systems. Examine how they can be determined from system response data or circuit analysis.
Learn about root locus plots and their use in analysing the stability of control systems. Also determine system parameters to ensure stability.
Delve into frequency response analysis. Learn how it helps in understanding the system’s behaviour to sinusoidal inputs at varying frequencies. Understand the significance of system resonant frequency and bandwidth.

Safety and Reliability

Consider the importance of safety in control systems design. Think about how protective measures — such as double checks, alarms, and emergency stop functions — can be incorporated.
Reflect on the factors that contribute to the reliability of a system. Learn about methods for predicting reliability, and design techniques to improve it.
Appreciate the role of standards and regulations in maintaining safety and reliability. Explore some common standards in the field of electronic and microelectronic control systems.